Certification Eases Used Car Buying

GM's Heichel notes that more customers "are now specifically looking for certified used vehicles, especially on the Web." J.D. Power's 2004 Autoshopper.com study shows "a growing percentage of used vehicle buyers are now using the Internet."

What Qualifies?
Certification programs vary, but they follow a similar pattern. Eligible vehicles must be no more than a few years old, with a specific maximum number of miles on the odometer. Each gets an inspection that covers a specified number of points. Warranties range from three months to several years, but there may be a limit to total mileage. Saturn is one of the few automakers that certifies other brands as well as its own.


Lexus, for instance, certifies cars that are up to five model-years old, with no more than 60,000 miles. Infiniti revamped its program in May 2004. Dealers "wanted the coverage simplified," said Greg Ramsey, senior manager for Infiniti sales and operations, to clarify which vehicles qualified. Now, the car must be no more than five model-years away from new, with less than 70,000 miles. Inspection has grown from 128 points to 142. To qualify for the GM Certified Used Vehicle program, a vehicle may be up to five years old (plus the current model year), with less than 60,000 miles. It goes through a 110-plus-point inspection/reconditioning process.


Chrysler is in a "little bit different situation than the other manufacturers," Fisher said, because only five-star dealers participate. Customers are "more likely to be treated" as new-car buyers at a five-star store. Certified vehicles must have 65,000 miles or less, pass a 125-point inspection, and be no more than five model-years removed from the current year.


Just about any kind of vehicle might qualify. "Mostly, luxury brands cluster at the top," said J.D. Power's Weitzman. Lexus is the leader, followed by Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Among mainstream models, "standard sedans tend to be the mainstay," Spinella said, including the Camry, Accord, Taurus, and Impala. They tend to attract "an older audience—55 plus." These buyers want a new-car warranty without a new-car price.